Budget writers take up school funding

AUSTIN (AP) — State Education Commissioner Michael Williams said Wednesday public schools are making the most of the money available after lawmakers cut $5.4 billion from classrooms two years ago.

Williams on Wednesday didn't use his first appearance before state budget-writers to press the Texas Legislature to restore funding. He told the powerful Senate Finance Committee that the agency isn't "seeing dramatic numbers of schools" becoming unacceptable or losing accreditation since the cuts took effect.

Gov. Rick Perry appointed Williams as the state's new education chief in October.

Budget bills introduced last week fund enrollment growth but don't reverse deep spending cuts to school districts, which have sued the state over funding. Williams says the "prudent course of action" is to wait for a court decision before talking about restoring dollars.